Overview

Tired of talking? We can help.

Therapy with horses at Horse Sense is about being able to create and maintain a connected relationship. Our therapy utilizes both the physiology and psychology of the horse to heal the physiology and psychology of the human. This experiential therapy gets beyond simply talking about challenges and instead participants learn by doing, often reaching positive change more quickly than through traditional therapy approaches.

We are trained in multiple modalities of counseling with horses, and we offer both Eagala-model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning, and also Natural Lifemanship’s Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP).

Much of the therapy takes place on the ground, side-by-side with specially-selected horses. Horses don't shame or blame; instead they respond to human behavior honestly and without judgement. Many of our horses come from "rescue" situations, and are often rehabilitated in the process of working with our clients.

Contact us to set up a session. Individual, couples, and family therapy available. Groups available as well.

No horse experience necessary.

I think this experience was more valuable than any of the regular therapy sessions because the metaphors were clearer and I felt the staff [i.e., the horses] gave more feedback.
— SS

Our clients are as varied as our horses, and typically are facing challenges in their relationship with others, including parents, children, spouses, and coworkers. We often work with issues relating to trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression, grief and loss.

Our goal is to help clients discover effective new strategies to manage unhealthy patterns and behaviors.

Horse Sense is a good fit for those seeking:

  • Therapy that gets beyond the surface and down to core issues quickly and effectively

  • Trauma-Informed therapy with horses

  • Programs for your organization, group home, or residential program that are innovative and effective

What are the benefits?

  • A somatic, tactile understanding, beyond intellectual awareness

  • An opportunity to identify patterns and re-examine their usefulness

  • A non-threatening environment to try out new behaviors and receive instant feedback

  • Immediate results and "AHAs" in just one session

EAP Issues we address:

What can I expect in a session?

All sessions take place with a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and one or more horses. For individual clients, we recommend a minimum of 10 sessions, and anticipate meeting with clients between 10-16 times or more times, depending on the goals.

What are pricing/payment options?

Thank you for your gentle encouragement and the way you gently challenge me.... I feel the most supported I’ve ever been and you’re helping me to find the courage to dig deeper and move on. Thank you
— client

A standard individual 50-minute session is $250. We accept cash, check and credit card. Please call 828-206-3057 or email our office to connect with someone who can answer your questions about other payment options. We do have a sliding scale fee. For private insurance, we provide you with the necessary paperwork to be reimbursed directly by your insurance company.

Referrals from another therapist

A referral from another therapist is not required. If you are another therapist and would like to inquire about suitability, contact us to connect. 

What do I do next?

Contact us to set up a session.



Learn more about Eagala

Learn more about Natural Lifemanship and TF-EAP